Don’t hate your Church Have you noticed that reality TV shows are sweeping our nation? Like it or not, programs such as NBC’s Fear Factor and The Apprentice, ABC’s Extreme Makeover and Fox’s American Idol are revolutionizing the way millions of us entertain ourselves. Though some of these shows contain objectionable content, I must admit to enjoying CBS’ Survivor program. Survivor has an interesting set-up: For 39 days, 16 to 20 castaways are stranded in a dangerous, remote location. They are forced to band together and carve out a new life. They have to use their wits to form tribes, build shelter, find food and win rewards. Day by day, the rough conditions and competitive challenges test the endurance of the survivors while cameras capture their unscripted experiences. Those who succeed are rewarded and stay in the game. Those who fall short risk being voted off at Tribal Council. Each week, another contestant is voted off, until only the Sole Survivor remains to claim the reward: $1 million. When I first saw Survivor, I was overcome with a strange deja vu experience. Where had I seen this kind of reality–the social cliques, secret divisions, unbridled rivalry and shocking betrayals–before? Then it came to me: I know where I’ve seen this. These people are in my church, and they’re playing this...
